The value of serum RASSF10 hypermethylation as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for gastric cancer

Abstract

The tumor-suppressing role of Ras-association domain family 10 (RASSF10) has been described in several types of cancers. Here, we evaluated the potential use of the hypermethylation status of the RASSF10 promoter in serum as a new diagnostic and prognostic tool in gastric cancer (GC). We used bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction to examine RASSF10 methylation levels in serum and/or tumor samples from 82 GC, 45 chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and 50 healthy control patients. In the serum of GC patients, the median level of RASSF10 methylation was higher at 47.84 % than those in the serum of CAG and healthy control patients at 11.89 and 11.35 %, respectively. The median level of RASSF10 methylation in GC tumor tissue was similarly high at 62.70 %. Furthermore, RASSF10 methylation levels were highly correlated between paired serum and tumor samples from GC patients. We performed receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses to verify that serum RASSF10 methylation levels could effectively distinguish GC from control patients. Moreover, multivariate analyses showed that high serum RASSF10 methylation levels in GC patients were associated with large tumors, lymph node metastasis, and high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Survival analyses showed that GC patients with high serum RASSF10 methylation levels had shorter overall and disease-free survival after D2 lymphadenectomy than those with low levels. High serum RASSF10 methylation levels were also an independent predictor of tumor recurrence and GC patient survival. In conclusion, serum RASSF10 promoter methylation levels can serve as a valuable indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC in the clinic.

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Perioperative circulating tumor cells in surgical patients with non-small cell lung cancer: does surgical manipulation dislodge cancer cells thus allowing them to pass into the peripheral blood?

Abstract

Purpose

We herein evaluated the status of circulating tumor cells (CTC) dislodged from the tumor during surgery in patients who underwent pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to assess the clinical implications.

Methods

Tumor cells in the peripheral arterial blood before surgery (Before) and immediately after lung resection (After) and in the blood from the pulmonary vein of the resected lung were detected using a size selective method. The clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis were then analyzed according to the CTC status: no tumor cells detected (N), single tumor cell or total number less than 4 cells (S), and existence of clustered cells (C).

Results

According to the CTC status, the patients were classified into the following three groups: Before-C and After-C, Group I (n = 6); Before-S or N and After-C, Group II (n = 9); and Before-S or N and After-S or N, Group III (n = 8). Group III showed a high rate of p-stage IA, smaller tumor size, lower CEA level, lower SUVmax level, and a higher relapse-free survival rate than the other groups.

Conclusions

CTCs were detected in patients after undergoing lung resection, some of which may have been dislodged by the surgical procedure. The presence of clustered CTCs after the operation indicated an unfavorable outcome.

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Anatomy of the AGN in NGC 5548: V. A clear view of the X-ray narrow emission lines

Whewell, M; Branduardi-Raymont, G; Kaastra, JS; Mehdipour, M; Steenbrugge, KC; Bianchi, S; Behar, E; Whewell, M; Branduardi-Raymont, G; Kaastra, JS; Mehdipour, M; Steenbrugge, KC; Bianchi, S; Behar, E; Ebrero, J; Cappi, M; Costantini, E; Marco, BD; Gesu, LD; Kriss, GA; Paltani, S; Peterson, BM; Petrucci, P-O; Pinto, C; Ponti, G; - view fewer (2015) Anatomy of the AGN in NGC 5548: V. A clear view of the X-ray narrow emission lines. Astronomy & Astrophysics , 581 , Article A79. 10.1051/0004-6361/201526742 . Green open access

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Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein controls Ion Channel Expression and Activity

Ferron, L; (2016) Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein controls Ion Channel Expression and Activity. Journal of Physiology 10.1113/JP270675 . (In press).

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Thermal re-radiation modelling for the precise prediction and determination of spacecraft orbits.

Adhya, S.; (2005) Thermal re-radiation modelling for the precise prediction and determination of spacecraft orbits. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access

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Anatomical basis of the coordination between smooth and striated urethral and anal sphincters: loops of regulation between inferior hypogastric plexus and pudendal nerve. Immuno-histological study with 3D reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose

(1) Describe both nervous pathways to the sphincters, and highlight the anatomical support of their coordination. (2) Obtain a 3D representation of this complex innervation system.

Methods

A computer-assisted anatomical dissection technique was used. Serial histological sections were cut in the pelvis of four female human foetuses (aged 19–32 weeks of gestation). The sections were treated with conventional staining, and with seven different immunostainings. The sections were digitalized and, finally, a 3D representation was built from the corresponding images.

Results

Myelinated and sensory fibres were detected at the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) level. Our analysis showed that most of the afferent sensory fibres come from the urinary and anal sphincters through the anterior and posterior branches of the IHP respectively. A highly positive nitrergic (anti-NOS1) and sensitive (anti-CGRP) labelling was found in the external layer of the urethral sphincter. The 3D representation allowed describing the two components of the innervation system. A sensory-motor regulation loop was found for both sphincters.

Conclusion

A 3D description of the components of both nervous pathways to the sphincters has been established. Our findings on the innervation of the sphincters tend to question the classical infra/supra levatorian muscle description. The coordinated work of the internal and external layers of the anal and urethral sphincter is probably mediated by multiple roles regulation.

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A resected case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach with unusual lymph node metastasis

Abstract

Gastric endocrine cell carcinoma is a relatively rare tumor. We experienced a case of early gastric cancer in which an endocrine cell carcinoma was identified within a differentiated adenocarcinoma, and a component of this endocrine cell carcinoma had metastasized to lymph nodes of the stomach. In its 2010 revision regarding digestive system tumors, WHO classified cancer cells with characteristics of both glandular system cells and neuroendocrine cells as mixed adeno neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) under the neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) category. In this case, we observed an endocrine cell carcinoma continuous with an intramucosal differentiated adenocarcinoma, and cancer cells with an irregular gland duct structure were observed in the proliferative portion of the submucosal tissue. In addition, there was a 35 mm size lymph node metastasis in the lesser curvature of the stomach consisting entirely of poorly differentiated cancer cells with polymorphic, highly atypical nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Immunohistological analysis showed that the endocrine carcinoma in the gastric mucosa was chromogranin A positive and the infiltrated area of the submucosal tissue was also chromogranin A positive. The lymph node metastasis was positive not only for chromogranin A, but also for Synaptophysin and CD56. Furthermore, the Ki67 labeling index was high at approximately 80 % for the gastric endocrine cell carcinoma and approximately 90 % for the lymph node metastases. Until now, there are no reports related to the patients with early gastric cancer accompanied with lymph node metastasis of MANEC. This case is very interested in considering the mechanism of lymph node metastasis of MANEC. The patient has shown no sign of recurrence for 1 year and 4 months after postoperative chemotherapy.

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Differential visceral blood flow in the hyperdynamic circulation of patients with liver cirrhosis

Summary

Background

With advancing liver disease and the development of portal hypertension, there are major alterations in somatic and visceral blood flow. Using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography, we characterised alterations in blood flow within the hepatic, splanchnic and extra-splanchnic circulations of patients with established liver cirrhosis.

Aims

To compare blood flow in splanchnic and extra-splanchnic circulations in patients with varying degrees of cirrhosis and healthy controls.

Methods

In a single-centre prospective study, 21 healthy volunteers and 19 patients with established liver disease (Child's stage B and C) underwent electrocardiogram-gated phasecontrast-enhanced 3T magnetic resonance angiography of the aorta, hepatic artery, portal vein, superior mesenteric artery, and the renal and common carotid arteries.

Results

In comparison to healthy volunteers, resting blood flow in the descending thoracic aorta was increased by 43% in patients with liver disease (4.31 ± 1.47 vs. 3.31 ± 0.80 L/min, P = 0.011). While portal vein flow was similar (0.83 ± 0.38 vs. 0.77 ± 0.35 L/min, P = 0.649), hepatic artery flow doubled (0.50 ± 0.46 vs. 0.25 ± 0.15 L/min, P = 0.021) and consequently total liver blood flow increased by 30% (1.33 ± 0.84 vs. 1.027 ± 0.5 L/min, P = 0.043). In patients with liver disease, superior mesenteric artery flow was threefold higher (0.65 ± 0.35 vs. 0.22 ± 0.13 L/min, P < 0.001), while total renal blood flow was reduced by 40% (0.37 ± 0.14 vs. 0.62 ± 0.22 L/min, P < 0.001) and total carotid blood flow unchanged (0.62 ± 0.20 vs. 0.65 ± 0.13 L/min, P = 0.315).

Conclusions

Rather than a generalised systemic hyperdynamic circulation, liver disease is associated with dysregulated splanchnic vasodilatation and portosystemic shunting that, while inducing a high cardiac output, causes compensatory extra-splanchnic vasoconstriction - the 'splanchnic steal' phenomenon. These circulatory disturbances may underlie many of the manifestations of advanced liver disease.

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Comparison of Efficacy of Two Different Topical 0.05% Cyclosporine A Formulations in the Treatment of Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis-Related Subepithelial Infiltrates

Subepithelial infiltrates secondary to adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis may persist for years and cause blurred vision, halos, glare, and photophobia. These infiltrates arise from immune reaction against the virus, and few studies have reported topical cyclosporine A to be effective in the treatment of subepithelial infiltrates. Herein, we describe a patient with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis-related subepithelial infiltrates who did not respond to treatment with a new topical cyclosporine A emulsion prepared with castor oil (Depores 0.05%; Deva İlaç, Kocaeli, Turkey), while the FDA-approved nanoemulsion formulation provided improvement in symptoms and reduced the inflammatory reaction (Restasis 0.05%; Allergan, Irvine, Calif., USA).
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2016;7:135-140

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CAEP 2015 Academic Symposium: Leadership within the emergency medicine academic community and beyond

Research Articles
Doug Sinclair, James R. Worthington, Gary Joubert, Brian R. Holroyd, James Stempien, Eric Letovsky, Tim Rutledge, Constance LeBlanc, Carrol Pitters, Andrew McCallum, Brendan Carr, Rocco Gerace, Ian G. Stiell, Jennifer D. Artz, Jim Christenson
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine,FirstView Article(s), 9 pages

Abstract


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Temporal structure of human magnetic evoked fields

Abstract

Nonlinear analysis of the multifocal cortical visual evoked potential has allowed the identification of neural generation of higher-order nonlinear components by magnocellular and parvocellular neural streams. However, the location of individual brain sources that make such contributions to these evoked responses has not been studied. Thus, an m-sequence pseudorandom stimulus system was developed for use in magnetoencephalographic (MEG) studies. Five normal young adults were recorded using an Elekta TRIUX MEG with 306 sensors. Visual stimuli comprised a nine-patch dartboard stimulus, and each patch fluctuated between two luminance levels with separate recordings carried out at low (24 %) and high (96 %) temporal contrast. Sensor-space analysis of MEG evoked fields identified components of the first- and second-order Wiener kernel decomposition that showed qualitative similarity with EEG-based cortical VEP recordings. The first slice of the second-order response (K2.1) was already saturated at 24 % contrast, while the major waveform of the second slice of the second-order response (K2.2) grew strongly with contrast, consistent with properties of the magnocellular and parvocellular neurons. Minimum norm estimates of cortical source localization showed almost simultaneous activation of V1 and MT+ activations with latencies only a little greater that those reported for first neural spikes in primate single cell studies. Time–frequency analysis of the kernel responses from five minimum norm estimate scout sources shows contributions from higher-frequency bands for the first compared with the second slice response, consistent with the proposed neural sources. In support of this magno/parvo break-up, the onset latencies of the K2.2 responses were delayed by approximately 30 ms compared with K2.1 responses.

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Proteomic approach reveals that starch degradation contributes to anthocyanin accumulation in tuberous root of purple sweet potato

Publication date: Available online 6 March 2016
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Shaoqing Wang, Dezhuo Pan, Xiaojie Lv, Xiaomin Song, Zhimin Qiu, Chunmei Huang, Ronghui Huang, Wei Chen
A comparative proteomic approach was carried out to investigate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the tuberous roots of yellow sweet potato (YSP) and purple sweet potato (PSP) cultivars. More than 800 proteins were reproducibly detected through two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), of which 50 proteins with 39 more and 11 less accumulated in PSP were identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS). Most of the analyzed proteins are annotated to be involved in starch metabolism and glycolysis. The more abundant starch phosphorylase (SP) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) in PSP promoted the synthesis of precursors for anthocyanin synthesis. The results implied that starch degradation provided abundant substrates for anthocyanin biosynthesis in tuberous roots of PSP. 24kDa vacuolar protein (VP24) is related to anthocyanin transport and accumulation in vacuoles. Vacuole-associated annexin protein, VCaB42, is correlated with tonoplast biogenesis. Synergistic action of the two proteins is probably involved in the microautophagy and the intravacuolar trapping of anthocyanins. Interestingly, both VCaB42 and VP24 were more accumulated in PSP, suggesting that anthocyanins generated in the cytosol were transported into and became stored in the vacuoles of PSP. The present study provides new insights into the mechanism of tuberous root-specific anthocyanin accumulation in PSP.Biological significanceSweet potato ranks as the seventh most important crop worldwide. Purple sweet potato, a special sweet potato cultivar, has been extensively investigated because large amounts of anthocyanin accumulate in its tuberous roots. Anthocyanin is well known for its free radical-scavenging activity and beneficial effects on human health. Its biosynthetic pathway has been well characterized in model plants. Although large-scale systematic studies have been performed to identify the proteins present in sweet potato, information on the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in sweet potato is insufficient. Our proteome study demonstrated that starch degradation may contribute to anthocyanin accumulation in purple sweet potato. To our knowledge, this study is the first to propose that starch degradation may provide precursors of anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet potato.

Graphical abstract

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Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms located on small vessels: midterm results with the LVIS Junior stent in 40 patients with 43 aneurysms

Abstract

Introduction

The Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) Junior stent is dedicated for endovascular treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms located on small-diameter vessels (2–3.5 mm). This study reports midterm clinical and anatomical results of this device.

Methods

This study was approved by authors' ethical committees. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated by this stent in three institutions. Technical issues and immediate and mid-term anatomical and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Forty patients (30 women/10 men, mean age of 55 years) with 43 aneurysms were identified. Mean aneurysm diameter was 5.6 mm (range, 2–13 mm). In all patients, treatment was successful and the stent could be precisely placed. There were three procedure-related complications, one stent thrombosis and two aneurysm ruptures, leading to immediate morbidity in one patient. Delayed ischemic events occurred in three patients including two transient attacks and one permanent deficit. The overall permanent morbidity rate was thus 5 %. No mortality occurred. Immediate aneurysm occlusion consisted of 36 complete occlusions (83.7 %), five neck remnants (11.6 %), and two incomplete occlusions (4.7 %). Twenty-seven patients (29 aneurysms) and 11 patients (11 aneurysms) had a 12- and 6-month angiographic follow-up, respectively. Final anatomical results included 36 complete occlusions (90 %) and four neck remnants (10 %). Two minor recanalizations were seen but did not require retreatment. Non-significant intrastent stenosis occurred in 7/40 followed-up cases (17.5 %).

Conclusion

The LVIS Junior stent appears safe and effective for endovascular treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms located on small vessels. Midterm results show high rates of adequate and stable occlusion.

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Electron trapping on Fe3+ sites in photodoped ZnO colloidal nanocrystals

Chem. Commun., 2016, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC00514D, Communication

Dongming Zhou, Kevin R. Kittilstved
Experimental study of photodoped colloidal Fe-doped ZnO quantum dots suggest electrons trap on Fe³⁺ sites before accumulating in the ZnO conduction band.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling between quinazoline 3-oxides and unactivated aldehydes: an efficient approach to functionalized quinazolines

Chem. Commun., 2016, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC00946H, Communication

Liwen Fan, Tao Wang, Ying Tian, Fei Xiong, Simei Wu, Qingjin Liang, Junfeng Zhao
The first copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling between quinazoline 3-oxides and unactivated aldehydes was described.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Evolving Strategies for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Upfront Setting

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease of marked clinical heterogeneity, and while some patients have a normal life expectancy, others develop rapidly progressive disease shortly after diagnosis. The current standard for upfront treatment of CLL is chemoimmunotherapy for younger fit patients, FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab) being the prototype. For older patients, BR (bendamustine and rituximab) exhibits excellent activity with decreased toxicity. For the frailest patients, CD20 monoclonal antibodies with or without chlorambucil have proven to be efficacious. The novel oral kinase inhibitors ibrutinib and idelalisib are FDA-approved in the relapsed/refractory setting, and ibrutinib is approved upfront for those with del(17p). These drugs have produced long-term durable responses in the relapsed/refractory setting, and studies are underway using these as single agent upfront or in combination with both chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. Here, we review standard upfront therapies and new agents and combinations that are on the horizon for CLL.

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Prolyl hydroxylase mediated inhibition of fatty acid synthase to combat tumor growth in mammary gland carcinoma

Abstract

Cancer is a group of cells which grow in an uncontrolled manner and invades to the adjacent organs to form malignant tumors. Tumor hypoxia results due to contrast between the cellular oxygen expenditure and oxygen supply to the cells. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is a heterodimeric transcription factor encompass of oxygen sensitive α subunit and constitutively expressed β subunit both of which are basic helix-loop-helix protein. The stability of HIF is primarily regulated by post translational prolyl hydroxylation, catalyzed by prolyl hydroxylase 2 (Phd-2). Phd-2 is a group of enzymes that acts as an oxygen sensor. Cancer cells have altered metabolism as they fulfil their energy needs through glycolysis and lipid biogenesis. HIF-1α is known to upregulate glycolysis by activating the transcription of enzymes on the glycolytic pathway and through lipogenesis. Cancer cells have over expressed fatty acid synthase owing to altered glycolytic pathway. Considering the above, it is hypothesized that chemical activation of Phd-2 can curtail down HIF-1α and subsequently fatty acid synthase expression.

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Dynamic of expression and localization of cannabinoid-degrading enzymes FAAH and MGLL in relation to CB1 during meiotic maturation of human oocytes

Abstract

The endogenous cannabinoid system has been characterized in some female reproductive organs but little is known about the expression and localization pattern of cannabinoid-degrading enzymes in relation to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in human oocytes. In this study, we focus on the investigation of the presence and differential distribution of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) in relation to CB1 during the maturation of human oocytes. We used a total of 290 human oocytes not suitable for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): germinal-vesicle (GV) and metaphase-I (MI) stages and metaphase-II (MII) oocytes that had not developed into an embryo after ICSI. Cannabinoid-degrading enzymes and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor were present in human oocytes. Specifically, FAAH was detected in the periphery of the oocyte from the GV to MI stage and co-localized with CB1. Later, by the MII stage, FAAH was spread within the oocyte, whereas MGLL immunostaining was homogeneous across the oocyte at all stages of maturation and only overlapped with CB1 at the GV stage. This coordinated redistribution of cannabinoid system proteins suggests a role for this system in the maturation of the female gamete.

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The Controversy of the Most Proper Time for Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery: a Review of Ten Cases

Abstract

Background

Many infertile obese women conceive after bariatric surgery after many years, while guidelines prohibit them from pregnancy for at least 12–18 months after surgery, due to complications.

Methods

We hereby present 11 cases in our research center, pregnant in less than 12 months after surgery from 2011 to 2015, to evaluate their pregnancy outcome and complications.

Results

The mean conception time was 3.6 months after surgery and mean birth weight was 2695 g. Regarding neonatal/fetal complications, there was one case of intrauterine growth retardation and one NICU hospitalization. Among pregnancy complications, eight patients had hyperemesis gravidarum and one had pre-eclampsia.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest revising setting a contraindication for conception for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

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Longitudinal Assessment of Effort–Reward Imbalance and Job Strain Across Pregnancy: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objectives

To assess longitudinal changes in occupational effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and demand-control (DC) scores across pregnancy and examine associations with blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy.

Methods

A pilot repeated-measures survey was administered four times to a sample of working women across pregnancy using the ERI and DC instruments. Demographic data and blood pressure measurements were collected at each interval. Growth mixture modeling was used to examine trajectories of change in occupational characteristics. Associations with BP were examined using repeated-measures linear regression models.

Results

ERI model components (effort, reward, and overcommitment) all declined across pregnancy while job control remained stable. Increasing ERI trajectory was associated with higher systolic BP (b = 8.8; p < 0.001) as was high overcommitment; declining ERI also showed a lesser association with higher BP. Associations between DC trajectories and BP were much smaller, and non-significant once controlled for overcommitment.

Conclusions

Self-assessed efforts, rewards, and overcommitment at work decline across pregnancy in our participants, while job control remains stable. Replication in a more diverse pregnant working population is warranted to confirm these results. These preliminary data suggest that further investigation into the factors that may be linked with improved work psychosocial climate during pregnancy may be useful in order to improve pregnancy outcomes.

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Anatomical basis of the coordination between smooth and striated urethral and anal sphincters: loops of regulation between inferior hypogastric plexus and pudendal nerve. Immuno-histological study with 3D reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose

(1) Describe both nervous pathways to the sphincters, and highlight the anatomical support of their coordination. (2) Obtain a 3D representation of this complex innervation system.

Methods

A computer-assisted anatomical dissection technique was used. Serial histological sections were cut in the pelvis of four female human foetuses (aged 19–32 weeks of gestation). The sections were treated with conventional staining, and with seven different immunostainings. The sections were digitalized and, finally, a 3D representation was built from the corresponding images.

Results

Myelinated and sensory fibres were detected at the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) level. Our analysis showed that most of the afferent sensory fibres come from the urinary and anal sphincters through the anterior and posterior branches of the IHP respectively. A highly positive nitrergic (anti-NOS1) and sensitive (anti-CGRP) labelling was found in the external layer of the urethral sphincter. The 3D representation allowed describing the two components of the innervation system. A sensory-motor regulation loop was found for both sphincters.

Conclusion

A 3D description of the components of both nervous pathways to the sphincters has been established. Our findings on the innervation of the sphincters tend to question the classical infra/supra levatorian muscle description. The coordinated work of the internal and external layers of the anal and urethral sphincter is probably mediated by multiple roles regulation.

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Coping strategies predict post-traumatic stress in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Evidence suggests that patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, research is yet to examine predictors of PTSD symptoms in this patient group. The objective of this study was to investigate whether coping strategies at HNC diagnosis were related to outcomes of post-traumatic stress and health-related quality of life (HRQL) 6 months later. Sixty-five patients with HNC completed an assessment of coping, distress, and health-related quality of life at diagnosis and again 6 months later, and an assessment of post-traumatic stress at 6 months. Correlations and regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between coping and outcomes over time. Regression analyses showed that denial, behavioural disengagement and self-blame at diagnosis predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms. Self-blame at diagnosis also predicted poor HRQL. Results have implications for the development of psychological interventions that provide alternative coping strategies to potentially reduce PTSD symptoms and improve HRQL.

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Reconstruction of the denuded nasoseptal flap donor site with a free fascia lata graft: technical note

Abstract

The nasoseptal flap provides hearty vascularized tissue for the reconstruction of skull base defects subsequent to expanded endonasal approaches; however, it leads to exposure of the cartilage at the septal donor site producing crusting and discomfort while it remucosalizes. We report an alternative technique to reconstruct the denuded nasal septal donor site by means of a free fascia lata graft. Fascia lata grafting of the nasoseptal flap donor site showed evidence of revascularization 4 weeks after initial surgery. Re-epithelialization was complete 4–12 weeks postoperation. Although the nasoseptal flap provides a versatile reconstructive technique, its harvest results in significant donor site morbidity. A free fascia lata graft accelerates the rate of donor site remucosalization; thus, decreasing the nasal complications.

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Laryngeal dysplasia: a prospective cohort study of 70 patients

Abstract

Laryngeal dysplasia is a poorly understood pre-malignant condition that requires diligent surveillance, to ensure timely diagnosis and optimal management.

A dedicated laryngeal dysplasia clinic provides a platform for regular surveillance of these patients and for prospective data analysis.

Our follow-up strategy is different to the recommendations from the ENT-UK consensus document on laryngeal dysplasia but appears to be a reasonable approach.

The clinical appearance of the laryngeal lesion, histological grade of dysplasia and continual exposure to risk factors are factors in determining decision making for follow-up and re-biopsy.

Multi-centre prospective collection of data and analysis of outcomes will provide evidence for best practice.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A novel short anionic antibacterial peptide isolated from the skin of Xenopus laevis with broad antibacterial activity and inhibitory activity against breast cancer cell

Abstract

A vastarray of bioactive peptides from amphibian skin secretions is attracting increasing attention due to the growing problem of bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics. In this report, a small molecular antibacterial peptide, named Xenopus laevis antibacterial peptide-P1 (XLAsp-P1), was isolated from the skin of Xenopus laevis using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The primary structure of XLAsp-P1, which has been proved to be a novel peptide by BLAST search in AMP database, was DEDDD with a molecular weight of 607.7 Da analysed by Edman degradation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF–MS). The highlight of XLAsp-P1 is the strong in vitro potency against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) starting at 10 μg/mL and potent inhibitory activity against breast cancer cell at tested concentrations from 5 to 50 μg/mL. In addition, only 6.2 % of red blood cells was haemolytic when incubated with 64 μg/mL (higher than MICs of all bacterial strain) of XLAsp-P1. The antimicrobial mechanism for this novel peptide was the destruction of the cell membrane investigated by transmission electron microscopy. All these showed that XLAsp-P1 is a novel short anionic antibacterial peptide with broad antibacterial activity and inhibitory activity against breast cancer cell.

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Inadequate iodine nutrition of pregnant women in an area of iodine sufficiency

Abstract

Purpose

I. R. Iran has been considered iodine replete since 2000, but iodine nutrition of vulnerable subjects is not clear. The main goal of this study was assessment of iodine nutrition and thyroid function in pregnant Iranian women.

Methods

A total of 1072 pregnant women from ten provinces in the different parts of the country were recruited from November to March 2014. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) as the measure of iodine status and serum free T4 (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TgAb and TPOAb) were measured.

Results

Mean ± SD age of the cohort was 27.0 ± 7.2 years and gestational age was 20.7 ± 10.0 weeks. The median UIC for pregnant women was 87.3 μg/L, being 92.1, 86.0 and 76.8 μg/L, in three trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Median UIC of <100, 100–149, 150–249, 250–499 and ≥500 μg/L was found in 58.4, 19.8, 16.2, 5.13 and 0.46 % of subjects, respectively. Median (IQR) values in the first, second, and third trimesters were 1.7 (0.9–2.8), 2.1 (1.5–2.9), and 2.1 (1.4–2.8) mIU/L for TSH, and 16.4 (12.21–21.13), 14.34 (12.16–19.69), and 14/07 (12.02–18.64) pmol/L for FT4, respectively. The frequency of elevated serum TSH was 9.0 % (6.6 % subclinical, 2.4 % overt hypothyroidism). The frequency of low serum TSH was 0.6 %. The frequency of positive TPOAb was 7.6 %.

Conclusions

Results of this study have clarified that despite iodine sufficiency of school children in Iran, pregnant women have moderate iodine deficiency and need iodine supplementation.

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Endocrine dysfunction in hereditary hemochromatosis

Abstract

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disorder of iron overload and subsequent organ damage. Five types of HH are known, classified by age of onset, genetic cause, clinical manifestations and mode of inheritance. Except for the rare form of juvenile haemochromatosis, symptoms do not usually appear until after decades of progressive iron loading and may be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors. Despite the last decades discovery of genetic and phenotype diversity of HH, early studies showed a frequent involvement of the endocrine glands where diabetes and hypogonadism are the most common encountered endocrinopathies. The pathogenesis of diabetes is still relatively unclear, but the main mechanisms include the loss of insulin secretory capacity and insulin resistance secondary to liver damage. The presence of obesity and/or genetic predisposition may represent addictive risk factor for the development of this metabolic disease. Although old cases of primary gonad involvement are described, hypogonadism is mainly secondary to selective deposition of iron on the gonadotropin-producing cells of the pituitary gland, leading to hormonal impaired secretion. Cases of hypopituitarism or selected tropin defects, and abnormalities of adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid glands, even if rare, are reported. The prevalence of individual gland dysfunction varies enormously within studies for several bias due to small numbers of and selected cases analyzed, mixed genotypes and missing data on medical history. Moreover, in the last few years early screening and awareness of the disease among physicians have allowed hemochromatosis to be diagnosed in most cases at early stages when patients have no symptoms. Therefore, the clinical presentation of this disease has changed significantly and the recognized common complications are encountered less frequently. This review summarizes the current knowledge on HH-associated endocrinopathies.

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An Universal packaging technique for low-drift implantable pressure sensors

Abstract

Monitoring bodily pressures provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic information. In particular, long-term measurement through implantable sensors is highly desirable in situations where percutaneous access can be complicated or dangerous (e.g., intracranial pressure in hydrocephalic patients). In spite of decades of progress in the fabrication of miniature solid-state pressure sensors, sensor drift has so far severely limited their application in implantable systems. In this paper, we report on a universal packaging technique for reducing the sensor drift. The described method isolates the pressure sensor from a major source of drift, i.e., contact with the aqueous surrounding environment, by encasing the sensor in a silicone-filled medical-grade polyurethane balloon. In-vitro soak tests for 100 days using commercial micromachined piezoresistive pressure sensors demonstrate a stable operation with the output remaining within 1.8 cmH₂O (1.3 mmHg) of a reference pressure transducer. Under similar test conditions, a non-isolated sensor fluctuates between 10 and 20 cmH₂O (7.4–14.7 mmHg) of the reference, without ever settling to a stable operation regime. Implantation in Ossabow pigs demonstrate the robustness of the package and its in-vivo efficacy in reducing the baseline drift.

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 341: Oncostatic-Cytoprotective Effect of Melatonin and Other Bioactive Molecules: A Common Target in Mitochondrial Respiration

For several years, oncostatic and antiproliferative properties, as well as thoses of cell death induction through 5-methoxy-N-acetiltryptamine or melatonin treatment, have been known. Paradoxically, its remarkable scavenger, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic characteristics in neurodegeneration models, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are known too. Analogous results have been confirmed by a large literature to be associated to the use of many other bioactive molecules such as resveratrol, tocopherol derivatives or vitamin E and others. It is interesting to note that the two opposite situations, namely the neoplastic pathology and the neurodegeneration, are characterized by deep alterations of the metabolome, of mitochondrial function and of oxygen consumption, so that the oncostatic and cytoprotective action can find a potential rationalization because of the different metabolic and mitochondrial situations, and in the effect that these molecules exercise on the mitochondrial function. In this review we discuss historical and general aspects of melatonin, relations between cancers and the metabolome and between neurodegeneration and the metabolome, and the possible effects of melatonin and of other bioactive molecules on metabolic and mitochondrial dynamics. Finally, we suggest a common general mechanism as responsible for the oncostatic/cytoprotective effect of melatonin and of other molecules examined.

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Understanding and modeling the complex dynamics of the online social networks: a scalable conceptual approach

Abstract

The explosive growth of the online social networks gives rise to extensive qualitative and quantitative changes in human communication stemming from the direct and indirect online interaction among individuals, as well as between individuals and technological objects of the social web. In the online ecosystem self-organised communities emerge and evolve, while behavior, norms, trends, trust and collective activity patterns appear as macro-level properties originating from micro-level interactions among interconnected individuals. The study of online (and offline) social dynamical processes requires an approach capturing their evolutionary nature and their interplay with the external environment. A pertinent methodological framework is that of the Complex Adaptive Systems, whereby the network topology and the states of the nodes co-evolve owing to strong interaction, adaptation and learning. Social networks are characterized by complex, stoch-astic and non-equilibrium dynamics, and therefore their study and modeling call for an exploratory, piecemeal and hybrid approach bringing together concepts from the fields of complexity, network theory, dynamical systems, quantitative sociology and statistical physics. In this paper we consolidate methods from the aforementioned disciplines into a scalable conceptual approach, with a view to providing methodological and technical recommendations applicable to the study and modeling of dynamical phenomena occurring in online and offline social networks.

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Reliability of the radiographic variables in the International Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set compared with the AO classification

Spinal Cord

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Multicenter validation of American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system for acute colonic diverticulitis and its use for emergency general surgery quality improvement program

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Severe maternal morbidity and near misses in tertiary hospitals, Kelantan, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health

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Benefits of cardiac sonography performed by a non-expert sonographer in patients with non-traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest

Resuscitation

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Readmission after treatment of Grade 3 and 4 renal injuries at a Level I trauma center: Statewide assessment using the Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Similar rebleeding rate in 3-day and 7-day intravenous ceftriaxone prophylaxis for patients with acute variceal bleeding

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association

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Association of cardiac biomarkers with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: a multicenter cohort study

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

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The role of cardiac troponin I in prognostication of patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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One-trocar versus multiport hybrid laparoscopic appendectomy: Whats the best option for children with acute appendicitis? Results of an international multicentric study

Surgical Endoscopy

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High D-dimer levels predict a poor outcome in patients with severe trauma, even with high fibrinogen levels on arrival: A multicenter retrospective study

Shock

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The Massive Transfusion Score as a decision aid for resuscitation: Learning when to turn the massive transfusion protocol on and off

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Ease and difficulty of pre-hospital airway management in 425 paediatric patients treated by a helicopter emergency medical service: a retrospective analysis

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus plasma for rapid vitamin K antagonist reversal in patients needing urgent surgical or invasive interventions: A phase 3B, open-label, noninferiority, randomised trial

Journal of Vascular Surgery

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Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) in adults: MRI type predicts early neurologic outcome

Spinal Cord

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The potential benefit of a hybrid operating environment among severely injured patients with persistent hemorrhage: How often could we get it right?

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Body mass index strongly impacts the diagnosis and incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the surgical intensive care unit

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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A paradigm for achieving successful pediatric trauma verification in the absence of pediatric surgical specialists while ensuring quality of care

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Hearing and vision impairment and the 5-year incidence of falls in older adults

Age and Aging

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Early goal-directed resuscitation for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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The association between vital signs and mortality in a retrospective cohort study of an unselected emergency department population

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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